February 4, 2013

City of Walcott February 4, 2013

The semi-monthly meeting of the City Council of Walcott, Iowa, was held on Monday, the 4th day of February, 2013, at Walcott City Hall. Mayor Jim Couper called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present were: Tim Koehler, John Kostichek, Lisa Mengler, Jackie Puck, and Jacob Puck. Absent: None. City employees present: Jeff Blake, John Brockmann, Lisa Rickertsen, and Tom Schirman.

Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to approve the consent agenda including the invoices and minutes from January 21, 2013. Motion carried.

Audience. Wayne Latimer.

W. Bryant Street Project. Sidewalk Assessments : Kostichek questioned the installation of sidewalks on the rear side of some properties along W. Bryant Street. Discussion was held that although this block is very unique, sidewalks would still be required and they would link to neighboring blocks. Following further discussion, Kostichek moved and Jackie Puck seconded to approve the engineering fees from Verbeke-Meyer, in the amount of $6,500, for the proposed sidewalk assessment project, in conjunction with the W. Bryant Street paving project. Motion carried.

Purchase Approval – John Deere Tractor/Mower. Brockmann presented a project worksheet requesting replacement of a John Deere tractor/mower. He reported the current tractor is need of costly repairs and the costs presented include a trade-in value. Jackie Puck moved and Kostichek seconded to approve purchasing a John Deere 3320 tractor/mower with loader from Precision Equipment at a cost of $16,000 (includes trade-in). Motion carried.

XStream Cleanup. Rickertsen reported on the letter from Karen Wilke, Watershed Coordinator, inquiring if Walcott would be interested in hosting an XStream Cleanup site on one of the creeks or drainage ditches. Discussion was held that cleanup work has been done in the past and most felt that the areas won't require much additional work. Kostichek moved and Mengler seconded to host an XStream Cleanup and request Wilke visit the City to see if she feels there are areas that would be suitable for participation. Motion carried.

FYE 2014 Budget. Rickertsen reported on the proposed FYE 2014 budget and stated that due to the state rollback residential property valuations increased 4%. Following discussion, Mengler moved and Jacob Puck seconded to set the public hearing on March 4th at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried. The levy rate will remain the same at $9.99999 per $1,000 taxable valuation.

Police Department Report. Discussion was held on the vacant crossing guard position and the safety concerns of the crosswalk at the intersection of N. Main and James Streets. Chief Blake recommended making the intersection a 4-way stop. Rickertsen was asked to prepare an ordinance for the next agenda regarding a proposed 4-way stop at N. Main and James Streets. Following further discussion, consensus was to advertise the crossing guard position as two shifts at a rate of $10 each shift.

City Clerk's Report. Rickertsen reported the audit for FYE 2012 will be released on February 6th and the State Auditor's office quoted $5,000 – $6,200 to do the annual examination for FYE 2013.

Questions/Concerns. Kostichek questioned the status of the Y-40 (Plainview Road) watermain, located in an easement, at the property owned by Avery Land & Farming LLC. Brockmann responded the property owner has not proceeded any further. Koehler questioned the next step on the proposed municipal building project. Rickertsen replied that she would place it on the next agenda.

Koehler moved and Mengler seconded to adjourn at 6:58 p.m. Motion carried. All votes on motions were unanimous, unless noted.

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